Ann Colgin has played an integral role in propelling California’s into the conversation that revolves around the world’s elite wines.

She founded Colgin Cellars in 1992 with a simple goal: to make world-class wines sourced solely from exceptional growing sites in Napa Valley. In doing so, she helped establish new standards of quality for the region. Her dreams have been realized as Colgin is today one of the most coveted wines in Napa.

In 2002, Ann finished construction of her IX Estate (number 9). Overlooking Lake Hennessey near St.Helena, this 20-acre estate, with its gentle rolling hills is simply breathtaking. Befitting the quality of her wines, she constructed an exceptional estate, with vines planted to maximize the exceptional terroir and ultra-modern winemaking facilities which works entirely by gravity. “(It’s) as close to a viticultural nirvana as I’ve ever seen,” was Robert Parker’s comment after his first visit.

Allison Tauziet is in charge of winemaking, with the help of celebrated oenologist Alain Raynaud, while the vines are under the watchful eye of David Abreu. Today, Colgin Cellars makes four cuvées, with a syrah and a Bordeaux blend coming exclusively from the IX Estate’s vineyards. The other two wines are the Cariad, made with grapes sourced from Abreu’s own vineyards, the renowned Madrona Ranch, and a cabernet sauvignon sourced from the Tychson Hill Vineyard. Her cabernet sauvignon “Herb Lamb Vineyard,” made between 1992 and 2007, are some of the most sought after wines in the world.